Do not call 9-1-1 if you do not have a real emergency.
Non-emergency calls to 9-1-1 can delay response to true
emergencies. However, if you are in doubt if your
situation is an emergency, call 9-1-1.

What To Do
When Calling 9-1-1?
When you get on the phone with a Monterey County 9-1-1
Dispatcher, it is important to remember the following to
get help to your emergency as quickly as possible:
· Remain Calm.

· Be prepared to give the correct address of your
emergency and the phone number from where you are
calling.

· Stay on the phone with the dispatcher. Do not hang up
until the dispatcher tells you to hang up. Keep in mind
that help is being sent simultaneously as the dispatcher
takes your information.

· If you are in a secured area, be sure to let the
dispatcher know the fastest way for emergency responders
to gain access, i.e., gate code, guard, etc.

9-1-1
Frequently Asked QuestionsDoes It Have To Be An Emergency To Call 9-1-1?
When you need a response from an emergency service, dial
9-1-1. This means if you need a police officer, a fire
engine, or an ambulance to come to you as soon as
possible, you should dial 9-1-1. If your situation is
not threatening life or property, dial the general
number of the agency you need.

Do Dispatchers Provide Medical Care Instructions
Before The Arrival Of Emergency Services?
No, 9-1-1 dispatchers are not allowed by law to dispense
medical advice. In such case of a person in need of
pre-arrival medical advice (EMD) Emergency Medical
Dispatch, the 9-1-1 dispatch operator will transfer you
to American Medical Response (AMR) located in Marina,
Ca.,who is equipped to provide pre-arrival instructions.

Why Does The Dispatcher Ask Me So Many
Questions?

Police/Fire/Medical Dispatchers follow a predetermined
set of questions/protocols. Based on your answers to
these questions, we can determine the best
response/level of care for you. For example, a heart
attack will elicit a different response level than a
broken arm, and a trash can fire will elicit a different
response than a house fire.

No, by law automatically activated
dialing and annunciation systems are prohibited from
calling 9-1-1. The law requires access to the system to
be initiated by a person.Your home alarm must go to an
alarm monitoring company who will contact the Dispatch
Center on a priority 7 digit line.

What if I don't speak English?

9-1-1 systems in the State of California
provide for immediate translation services for Spanish,
Vietnamese, and Mandarin Chinese languages.
Additionally, Monterey County Dispatch has access to
AT&T Language Line services providing translation for
over 140 languages.

What if I can only communicate
by TDD or Computer?

All Monterey County Dispatchers are
equipped with TDD (Teletype Device for the Deaf)
detectors and can communicate with TDD's from their
9-1-1 workstation.